SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 — A state backbencher wants the policy allowing two parking spaces per apartment unit in Selangor be reviewed to encourage greater public transport usage.
Subang Jaya state assemblyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze said the policy appears to be inconsistent with Selangor’s objective to promote public transport via the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principle, from using private vehicles towards public transport, particularly the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
"The previous policy aimed to encourage LRT use by reducing parking provision for developments located near LRT stations.
“However, the latest decision to allow two parking spaces per unit could undermine TOD’s objective.
“The state government must be firm in implementing its policies and should not change them simply due to pressure from certain parties,” she said during the debate on the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Ng added that the policy was reportedly requested by developers who argued that residential units would be difficult to sell without two parking spaces.
In a related matter, she also welcomed the proposal to expand the existing Sunway BRT system to Puchong, particularly as the Damansara-Puchong Expressway and Shah Alam Expressway routes connecting Puchong and Subang Jaya are increasingly congested.
"Expanding public transport infrastructure is essential if Selangor wants to achieve RS-2’s objective of encouraging greater use of public transport," Ng said.
The assemblyman also highlighted the rapid redevelopment in SS15, Subang Jaya, where developments could reach a plot ratio of 1:8, which could result in higher density and potentially worsening traffic congestion.
"If a traffic impact assessment found a junction had a level of service (LOS) F, the proposed development should be adjusted to reduce congestion instead of simply widening roads or changing traffic flows," she said.
The LOS provides an indication or measure of the operational condition of the facility concerned which ranges from “A” to “F”, whereby LOS “A” represents an excellent level of operational condition, while LOS “F” an undesirable, exceedingly congested and failed situation.
Ng also called for greater attention to green spaces and urban greenery, noting that rapid development should not come at the expense of trees and open spaces.
